POISE Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'poise' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address , savoir faire , and tact . While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations. // answered the accusations with unruffled poise

Q: When would 'address' be a good substitute for 'poise'?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends. // brought it off with remarkable address

Q: When can 'savoir faire' be used instead of 'poise'?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient. // the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Q: Where would 'tact' be a reasonable alternative to 'poise'?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate. // questions showing a lack of tact

poise 1 of 2

noun

ˈpȯiz

Definition of poise next

as in equilibrium

a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another there must be a poise between the rights of the individual and the rights of society

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in posture

a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

2 of 2

verb

ˈpȯiz

as in to brace

to prepare (oneself) mentally or emotionally the disgraced business executive poised herself for the difficult press conference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to hover

to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air the falcon poised in the air for an instant before diving to attack its prey

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of poise

Noun

Josh Hart was everywhere, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Jalen Brunson chipped in 13 points and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense with his usual poise. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025 And while there are plenty of concerns here, Ewers has absolutely displayed the type of poise, toughness and resolve most teams see as non-negotiables for starting quarterbacks. —

Antonio Morales, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Verb

The first in a series of winter storms is poised to spread a nasty mix of frozen precipitation across portions of the central and eastern U.S. this week. —

Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 are poised to be down when the market opens. —

William Gavin, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for poise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise

Noun

Often, our everyday stressors feel never-ending, and the return to equilibrium becomes less than breezy.

— Marie Bladt, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
With Biden, the vice presidency seemed to return to a more appropriate equilibrium after Cheney’s extraordinary tenure.

— Roy Brownell, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025